Bill > HB1508

This bill establishes the "Lithium Battery Recycling and Safety Act", which creates a comprehensive battery recycling program in Missouri. The legislation requires manufacturers, distributors, and sellers of batteries to either establish or join a representative organization that will develop and submit a detailed battery recycling plan to the state's Department of Natural Resources every five years. The plan must include contact information, education strategies, funding methods, collection rate goals, collection service providers, and outreach methods. The bill defines batteries as medium-format rechargeable lithium-ion batteries between 300-2000 watt-hours, with specific exclusions for medical device, lead-acid, and vehicle batteries. After program implementation, businesses must participate in the recycling program, cannot charge consumers a point-of-sale fee for recycling, and batteries can only be disposed of at approved collection sites. The representative organization must submit annual reports detailing program expenses, battery collection weights, collection rates, and facility information. The Department of Natural Resources will enforce compliance, and violations can result in civil actions with potential injunctive relief and damages. The bill aims to improve battery recycling infrastructure and environmental sustainability by creating a structured, mandatory recycling framework.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1508&year=2025&code=R